Solar Chimney Power Plant
- Solar chimney power plants are not developed commercially. These have been tried out only for demonstration purposes.
- The schematic diagram of a solar chimney plant is shown in Figure. It is a low temperature thermal power system using air as working fluid. It consists of large area of transparent covers which receive solar radiations.
- The cold airflow from the bottom of the chimney due to the natural draught produced due to density difference of high density surrounding cold air and the low density hot air below the transparent covers heated by the solar energy. It is called chimney draught.
- The flow rate of air depends on the draught produced due to density difference of cold and hot air and the height of chimney. The hot air flows over the air turbine coupled to an electric generator.
- The mechanical power generated by the air turbine is converted into electrical power by the generator. The warm air from the air turbine is discharged to the surroundings through the chimney.